Bubbling Sands Snorkeling Tour

Snorkeling above dancing volcanic sands and green algea fields

Litlaá, meaning "Little River," is located near the northern coast of Iceland, just south of the Arctic Circle. This is an unusual spot to find warm water, but thanks to a nearby geothermal active area, we get to enjoy snorkeling in water with a temperature of about 20°C, allowing us to explore its different parts in a very relaxed way.

The tour takes place in a lagoon called Brunnar, meaning "Wells." The water in this lagoon comes from two sources: hot water from a geothermal area nearby and freshwater from wells on the bottom of the lagoon. The lake's floor is full of mesmerizing dancing sands; it looks like something from a different planet. Some act like underwater eruptions, while others resemble underwater beaches. The cold water erupting from the bottom causes these beautiful designs described as the "Bubbling Sands" that you must see with your own eyes.

Because of the warm water temperature, we also find fields of strange green algae, plants, multicolored sediments, and a countless number of snails.

In the shallow rocky area at the edges of the lagoon, we find countless numbers of sticklebacks traveling around in large groups. The majestic Brown Trout eats sticklebacks and is sometimes spotted by snorkelers.

Before we end the tour, we will do a short river float before we get out. A bit below our exit point, the water mixes with Litlaá river, coming from Skjálftavatn lake. Where the two rivers meet is a very popular fishing spot with big Brown trouts, Sea trouts, Arctic char, and sometimes Arctic salmon.

This snorkeling spot is located right on the Diamond Circle, just about 30 minutes from the whale-watching town of Húsavík and a short distance from Ásbyrgi canyon, making this the perfect Diamond Circle self-drive tour. Other destinations on the Diamond Circle include Goðafoss (waterfall of the Gods), the infamous Dettifoss waterfall, and the beautiful Lake Mývatn.

Guided snorkeling trip
All necessary snorkeling equipment including a dry suit
Hot chocolate and cookies after the snorkeling trip

When you arrive at Litlaá river you will meet the DIVE.IS guide who will give you a detailed briefing of the snorkeling tour and get you dressed into our top quality snorkeling dry suit and other gear.

You will enter Litlaá river at the entry point and snorkel down the river and in the lagoon for about 30-45 minutes.

Then, you will exit the river and walk back to the parking lot.

After the snorkeling tour, we will warm you up with hot cocoa and cookies.

long underwear
thick socks
suitable clothes for the weather of the day
if you wear glasses, please bring contact lenses or your own prescription mask if you have one